COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON FLEXURAL STRENGTH AFTER ITS INCORPORATION IN HEAT CURE ACRYLIC DENTURE BASE RESIN

Abstract

Background: The most commonly used denture base material is PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate). Denture 
fracture commonly results from impacting and flexural forces. To improve the antimicrobial properties of a 
denture base, various nanoparticles are being added including silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide. 
However, literature data are scarce on nanoparticle's effect on flexural strength. 
Aim: The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effect of adding silver nanoparticles and titanium 
dioxide nanoparticles on flexural strength after its incorporation in heat cure acrylic denture base resin. 
Methods: 260 specimens were divided into 4 groups where Group I, II, III, and IV were reinforced with a 
mixture of silver nanoparticles and titanium oxide, silver nanoparticles, titanium oxide (TiO2), and control 
respectively. 4 groups were subdivided based on concentration to 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Mold space for 
specimen fabrication was used to form a mold space. After distilling water immersion for 2 weeks, flexural 
strength was determined using a three-point bend test. The data gathered were statistically analyzed and results 
were formed. 
Results: A statistically significant gradual decrease was seen with the increase in the nanoparticles 
concentration on comparing the mean flexural strength. Minimum flexural strength was seen with combined 
silver and titanium oxide nanoparticles, whereas, maximum flexural strength was seen in the control group. No 
color change was seen with the modified specimen.   
Conclusion: The study concludes that adding silver and titanium oxide particles in an in-vitro environment 
decreases the flexural strength of the polymethyl methacrylate.